4 Peaks of Ireland

Climb the highest mountains in each of the 4 Provinces of Ireland

Introduction

The 4 Peaks of Ireland Challenge is generally classed as climbing the highest peaks in each of the four provinces of Ireland, namely Carrauntoohil at 1040m of Co. Kerry – the highest peak in the southern province of Munster, Mweelrea at 841m of Co. Mayo – the highest peak in the western province of Connacht, Slieve Donard at 840m of Co. Down – the highest mountain in Northern Ireland and the province of Ulster and Lugnaquilla 925m of Co. Wicklow – the highest peak in the eastern province of Leinster.

Safety, enjoyment and fun are our priority and we use a recommended guide to participant ratio of 1:12 for all groups and usually ascend via a Difficult grade route – the most straightforward! Of course any ascent of Ireland’s highest mountains is indeed a tough challenge requiring a good level of fitness enabling all the participants to be capable of hiking in rough rugged mountainous terrain for circa 6 hours per peak.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Thursday
Fly from the UK to Dublin, Cork or Kerry Airport and you will be transferred to Killarney where you will be staying for the night.
Day 2 - Friday
Start from Cronins Yard, Mealis, Beaufort near Killarney.

Climb Carrauntoohil / 1038m

Drive to Galway (3 hours)

Overnight in Galway

Target time, 6 hours

Terrain – mixed broken and firmer ground with steep ascents and descents.
Day 3 - Saturday
Drive to Mweelrea, Co Mayo (2 hours)

Climb Mweelrea / 814m

Drive to Newcastle, Co Down (5.5 hours)

Overnight in Newcastle

Target time, 6 hours

Terrain – mixed broken and firmer ground with steep ascents and descents.
Day 4 - Sunday
Drive to Donard Car Park, Newcastle

Climb Slieve Donard / 850m

Drive to Lugnaquilla, Glen of Imaal, Co Wicklow (3 hours)

Climb Lugnaquilla / 925m

Finish Challenge!

Target time, 10-12 hours

Terrain – mixed broken and firmer ground with steep ascents and descents.
Day 5 - Monday
Morning flight back to the UK for people that chose optional overnight in Dublin.

Please note: This itinerary is for guidance only. It may be subject to change dependent upon viability, course members’ fitness, weather conditions or for any other reason the guide may deem necessary. Every effort is made to fit the course around your needs of the group.

Key Information

Advance booking required, minimum 8 weeks notice
Minimum group size: 8 persons
Bring your own outdoor clothing and equipment
All mountain guides carry First Aid and emergency shelter
Meeting point is Dublin, Cork or Kerry Airport

Package Includes

Experienced and licensed guides
2 nights bed and breakfast / twin rooms
Single rooms available at a supplement
Airport transfers
Training guidance information
Personal kit list and advisory service
Briefing and equipment check
Road transport throughout the challenge
Cotswold Outdoor Voucher – 15% discount
Photographic highlights of your event uploaded to Dropbox
Local information plus second to none service with passionate staff!

At a Glance

Grade
4/5

Duration
4-5 days

Activities
Walking

Suitable for
Charity fundraising and/or team building groups.

Excludes
Food, snacks and drinks

Flights to/from Ireland

Evening meals

Comments
One of our most popular UK challenges offering contrasting walks and superb panoramic views in 4 locations. Achievable within 24 hours walking time the routes offer a dynamic challenge for mixed ability groups.